ANINI, Sep 26: With a lull in the late monsoon rains, life is expected to limp back
to normalcy in the plains of Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit. But for the people of
Dibang Valley, the remoteness of the region is emerging as an obstacle for an early
start of normal life.

Fresh reports from Anini indicate that restoration of surface communication is unlikely
for at least two weeks. Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Urban Minister Rajesh Tacho,
Raju Pulu informed that all major circle headquarters in the district are cut off
from its district headquarter Anini. Mipi circle, Etalin circle and Arzoo circle
also remained cut off from Anini for the past one month. Also the Malinye-Etalin
road which was damaged during the last year’s monsoon fury is still to be restored.

Besides the surface communication, all other mode of communications, like telephone
and mobile services in the district are also out of order, Pulu said. And this is
causing paucity of information to get latest updates on blockade situation in the
district, he said.

The source from the Minister also said that the heavy rains that had lashed the district
for past one week has caused extensive damage to two power hydel projects in Alinye
and Angolin. The Chini-Afra micro hydel in Alinye was the source of electricity for
Anini and Angolin mini hydel for Etalin circle headquarters, situated 54 km from
the district headquarters.

Pulu informed that Etalin town is plunged into total darkness and Anini town was
managing with 2 hours of electricity a day, after local people managed to repair
the damaged Chini-Afra micro hydel project.

Earlier on Monday, Minister Tacho assured the people of Dibang Valley that all possible
help is being provided by state government to fight the crisis erupting out of continued
road blockade caused by heavy showers for the past one week.

In his press note, the minister appealed to the people to stay calm and lend helping
hands to fellow citizens during this difficult times.

An appeal to state government has been made to continue the passenger chopper service
to facilitate travel services for people stranded in the district because of the
continued blockade, the source from the Minister said. The chopper service was approved
by the state government to operate for Dibang Valley district till September, which
is scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday.

Further the Minister has appealed all head of the department, government officers
and government staff to stay back in their posting places during the time of crisis.
He requested the absenting government servicemen to immediately report to their posting
place to give their service for the people of Dibang Valley. Meanwhile, the weather
in Tezu and other areas of Lohit district remained sunny and clear for the second
consecutive day today. The water level in all the rivers started receding withdrawing
any danger of flood. However, Tezu is still cut-off from rest of the country for
the eight consecutive days.

Local MLA Karikho Kri visited damaged VKV School, Sunpura and other flood affected
villages under Sunpura circle today. The Tezu-Sunpura and other affected areas are
still reeling under darkness with no electricity and water supply for the eight consecutive
days. All official works in Tezu-Sunpura have come to standstill due to disruption
of power supply.

The Deputy Commissioner RK Sharma has directed Department of Hydro Power and Electrical,
Tezu to restore electricity by any possible means. Efforts are on to restore the
Duranala Mini Hydel project.

Five Relief Camps at Namsai Sub-division and three Relief Camps at Tezu are closed.
However, 16 Relief Camps are still running. Food items and other essential commodities
have been dispatched to marooned people in various villages as per the need and availability.

The Tezu-Brahmakund road will take at least a week to make it through. There is report
of acute shortage of all essential items, including cooking gas due to road blockades.
However steps are being taken by the district administration, district disaster management
authority and other concern agencies collectively to tackle post flood situation.

Meanwhile, DIPRO reported that search operation was going on for tracing the four
missing persons in the current flood in Lohit.

Ering briefs Narayanswami on latest flood situation

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Member of Parliament Ninong Ering today met Union Minister of
State in the PMO office V Narayanswami in the National Capital and briefed him about
the latest flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh.

The current wave of floods in Arunachal Pradesh left a trail of devastation, particularly
in Lohit, Anjaw, two Dibang Valley districts and East Siang. Heavy rainfall in those
districts caused flooding and widespread damage to roads, bridges snapping surface
communications. Numerous villages have been submerged, properties damaged, livestock
lost, agri-horti field damaged and electric poles uprooted by flood water, it said.
Many human lives were also lost in the flood, it said and urged the minister to provided
some financial assistance to families of the deceased.

Ering urged the Union Minister to make some immediate arrangement for rescue of marooned
people, providing food items to the affected people and medical team for them. Ering
said that Army may be deployed for rescue operations. He also sought some immediate
fund for restoration of road communication.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister has assured to provide some immediate fund for the
flood affected areas.

High level team conducts aerial survey

ROING, Sept 26: A High Level team comprising WRD and Social Welfare, Women & Child
Development Minister Newlai Thingkatra, Education Minister Bosiram Siram accompanied
by former minister Roding Pertin and Chief Engineer (WRD) L Angu conducted an aerial
survey of the recent flood affected areas of Lower Dibang Valley district today.
The team along with Rajya Sabha Member Mukut Mithi landed at Roing to take first
hand information from the district administration and public leaders.

In a brief interaction at Circuit House, Roing the Minister of WRD handed over Rs
10 Lakhs for the District Headquarters and Rs 5 Lakhs for Dambuk-Paglam to the Deputy
Commissioner, Roing as an immediate relief to the flood affected people on behalf
of the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh. The Minister also sanctioned Rs 10 Lakhs from
the Department of WRD to restore the road communications to various places that were
disrupted during the recent rainfalls. He requested the District Administration to
prepare a detailed reports of the properties lost during the current wave of flood
and to submit it to the Govt. within the first week of the next month.

Mithi also announced to sanction Rs 25 Lakhs from his MP LAD Fund for restoration
of electricity, water supply and other essential services in the district headquarter
that was disrupted in the recent flood.

Earlier, Lower Dibang Valley deputy commissioner Garima Gupta highlighted the heavy
damages caused to public and private properties in the current wave of floods in
Lower Dibang Valley district.

She informed that many houses at Bolung, Anpum and Paglam areas were either partially
damaged or fully submerged in the flood besides washing away of vast areas of agricultural
and horticultural crop fields in the entire district. She further informed that essential
services like roads communication to all the outposts circle headquarters, electricity
and water supply in the district headquarter have been disrupted. She requested the
govt. to provide special relief package for immediate restoration of essential services
in the district headquarters.

Former minister Roding Pertin and DCC (I) president also requested the Govt. to provide
special relief package for the flood affected areas at Bolung, Paglam and Anpum areas
of the district where all the dwelling houses were either submerged in flood water
or damaged

Chiliko Meto, Zilla Chairperson informed that major damages were occurred at remote
areas like Hunli and Desali circles.

HoDs and Public Leaders of Lower Dibang Valley District were present in the meeting.

The team later visited Deopani River site where temporary steel bridges, which serves
as lifeline to Hunli and Anini, has been washed away and major erosion occurred at
eastern bank of the river towards the township. DIPRO

Controversy surrounds over ration sortie

Amar Sangno

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: In an embarrassment to the Lower Dibang Valley district administration,
the flood victims under Paglam circle of Dambuk Sub-division today claimed that
no ration sortie or relief materials provided so far by the district administration.
The flood victims have expressed their anger and accused the district administration
of step-motherly treatment towards the circle, despite the state government announced
sorties and relief for them. The entire area was devastated by flood and Paglam
is one of the worst hit in entire district. On the other hand, Lower Dibang Valley
deputy commissioner Garima Gupta said that two sorties were materialized to Paglam
on Tuesday from district administration side.

“We have not received even a single kg of food grains from administration,” said
Dibakar Perme Anchal Samity Member, Paglam. Perme further says, “the people of entire
state know our plight, but we have no contact from district administration for help”.
Another victim Ponidar Pegu informed this daily that whatever they are getting as
relief materials were personally provided by local MLA Jomin Tayeng. He also disclosed
that no single government officials were present there during the crisis. Interestingly,
when contacted, Lower Dibang Valley deputy commissioner Garima Gupta said that two
sorties were materialized to Paglam on Tuesday from district administration side.
However, it’s claimed was refuted by Tony Pertin President North East Congress Coordination
Committee (NECCC) who is also renowned advocate. Pertin clarified that sorties were
not provided by district administration rather by East Siang administration on personal
request of local MLA. He further questioned if sorties were provided to victims by
DC LDV where does it go. Sources from Dambuk also confirmed that no relief materials
have arrived yet at Paglam.

Earlier the district administration stated that no accessibility was possible for
Paglam, ironically the Assam government has been providing sorties to its people
since the flood came in Amarpur area which is just divided by Dotung River (1/2KM)
from Paglam.

The claim and counter claim over the relief to victims came to fore just after a
team of government officials led by Water Resource Department Minister Newlai Tingkhatra
conducted aerial survey in the area today and announced rupees five lakh to Dambuk
sub-division.

Governor, CM deplore killing of tigress

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J.J. Singh has
expressed anguish on the killing of a tigress in the Zoological Park cum Zoo, Itanagar
in the intervening night of 24th and 25th September.

Terming it as barbaric and appalling, the Governor has vehemently condemned the attack
on animal of the zoo in strongest term. He said that as a tribal society, Arunachalees
are proud of their flora and fauna and such deplorable act should be denounced by
every member of the society. The Governor exhorted to the people to ensure that such
ghastly acts are not repeated. Those involved in the shameful act should be arrested
as soon as possible and made to face the law of the land.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has also expressed shock and anguish at the killing of
a tigress in Itanagar Zoological Park. Condemning the incident, he urged the law
enforcing authorities to thoroughly investigate the case and book the culprits as
per provisions of law.

“This is a bad example. The wildlife authorities need to buckle up their belts. If
a tiger is not safe even in confinement how do we expect to save tigers in the wild?”
the Chief Minister pondered.

He also expressed concern that this is not the first instance of killing of a tiger
in the Itanagar Zoo. Earlier too, a tiger was killed by unknown miscreants that shocked
wildlife authorities and animal lovers. Itanagar Market Welfarse Society has also
condemned the incident and called for early arrest of culprits involved in the killing.

Society demands stringent measures

Meanwhile Biological Park Gyeker Sinyi’s Protection and Developmental Society (BPGSPDS),
while expressing shock over killing of tigress, has written to Chief Minister Nabam
Tuki seeking his attention towards need to ensure that Zoo is well protected. They
raised five-point which include immediate arrest of miscreants involved in killing
of tigress, construction of RCC security wall around Zoo as per approved master
plan, posting of director and trained officials at Zoo, electrification and provision
of proper drinking water at Zoo and lastly eviction of illegal encroachers from Zoo
area as per approved master plan.

The society stated that these steps should be taken at the earliest in order to ensure
that animals of Zoo are well protected.

‘Arunachal Weekly’ launched

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Much to the delight of people of the state, particularly for
viewers of electronic media, a weekly news programme christened as ‘Arunachal Weekly’
was launched in an impressive function this evening.

Produced by veteran journalist Taro Chatung, the 30 minute duration news programme
will be telecast every Monday at 6; 30 pm on North East Television channel (NETV).

Speaking on the occasion Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers
Welfare Board (APBOCWWB) Chairman Jalley Sonam said that launching of Arunachal Weekly
will reduce the gap between Arunachal and other Northeast states in sharing information.
Stressing the importance of media, Sonam said regional electronic media should play
a vital role to draw centre’s attention towards the Northeast particularly Arunachal
Pradesh. He opined that national media show less interest towards Northeast states.
However, Sonam suggested that Arunachal Weekly should not focus only at Capital
region, rather it should reflect the real issues of far flung areas in the state.

Everester Tapi Mara said that people should not forget the role of media in the society
adding that without media the development is not possible.

Director Information and Public Relation Lekhi Phuntso said Arunachal Weekly adds
a new chapter in electronic media in the state.

Expressing his happiness over the launching of the weekly news programme, the director
said that Arunachal Weekly would fill the vacuum created by News & Views which was
discontinued since 2005 by same producer.

Chatung who was anchor and producer of News & Views in Doordharsan (DDK Itanagar)
conceived the idea of Arunachal Weekly after seven years.

While speaking to this reporter elated Chatung said that Arunachal Weekly will its
best to disseminate the information and to make people say the importance of media.
Chatung won many hearts through is News & Views programme , his unique way of presenting
the news make him immense popular among the viewers. Renowned actor Hage D Appa,
Chopa Cheda Editor of the Arunachal Pioneer, and students from Mass Communication
department RGU were among others, who were present on the occasion.

Are Arunachal’s people ready to welcome real development ?

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: The incident of attacks on staff of private companies currently
being engaged in various projects across the state is deterring many potential investors.
While some of the reports including attack on Sombhu Shankar Rai, a senior surveyor
of SRK Company, which is carrying out Trans-Arunachal Highway project at Pangin in
East Siang was highlighted in media, many other such incidents go unreported.

On 5th September 2012, Pineul Basumatary, the executive director of Food Corporation
of India (FCI), North East region wrote a letter to his chairman cum managing director
based at New Delhi expressing concern over the security of FCI staff, regional office,
Itanagar. He cited many examples of attack on FCI employees to draw the attention
of his higher ups.

As per the report, the FCI officials had made repeated plea to the state government
seeking security for the staffs. While everybody cries for development, many obstruct
the progress of developmental activities by threatening and abusing the staffs of
the private companies.

“I had come all the way from southern part of India to be involved in the development
of this beautiful state. Usually Arunachal is considered to be very safe and peaceful
state in compare to other NE states and I was quite excited when my company posted
me here. However hostility against us has manifold in recent days and we do not feel
safe anymore,” told an employee of private company. He added, “The people need to
understand that we are here for the development of Arunachal. If they do not cooperate,
the standard of work will be affected. In that scenario local people will be at loss
as the private companies somehow will get back their invested money.”

The term ‘development’ has different meaning in the context of Arunachal Pradesh.
In our state ‘individual development’ is given more priority than community or area
development. For example in a village if twenty families have concrete house and
each of them owns vehicle, then the area is considered to be developed. But nobody
will care if the same village has pucca road or electricity connectivity. Such kind
of individualistic approach creates problem in the developmental activities.

“If any XYZ person does not get contract work in the developmental projects coming
up in their area, they try to ensure that work does not start until they get some
share. The person does not think that entire people of area are going to benefit
from such project. The irresponsible behavior on his/her part can derail the whole
project itself,” told a government official.

The Centre is pumping in huge amount of money into state so that Arunachal do not
lag behind in development. The central government is aware of Chinese threat and
therefore development of Arunachal has been given top priority. Accordingly, the
state is receiving central fund without any hassle. However, the situation will not
remain same and a day will come when union government may reduce central funding.
For a state like Arunachal which totally depends on central government for everything,
there is urgent need to ensure that funds are used properly so that Arunachal witness
development in true sense.

Preparation for Miss Lune Beauty Contest’12 is on

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: With just three-day to go for the Miss Lune Beauty Contest’12
at general ground Pasighat, the organizing committee are all busy preparing for the
event scheduled to be held on September 30.

Talking to this daily, the organizing chairman Okom Yosung informed that due to
incessant rainfall and flood, the ground preparation work was halted for few days.
However, as the flood water receding, the committee has resumed its works and the
ground preparation would be completed by next Friday.

Regarding the beauty contest module, he informed that there will be several rounds
such as Traditional Round, Theme Round, Casual cum summer round and Formal round
which will be followed by Questionnaire round.

Besides these, entertainment programmes like folk dances and traditional dances by
Kaling Raseng and other groups, modern Adi dances and other entertaining numbers
from various schools and colleges, and renowned artists Anumoti Sisam, Delong Padung,
Kamin Ering, Jelly Kaye and upcoming budding artists would be other attraction of
the mega event. Apart from these, the event will also propagate awareness on AIDS,
HIV, drug abuse, unsafe sex etc, Yosung added and appealed to one and all to make
it a grand success.

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Honchun Ngandam, Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture along
with members of the Wancho Language Script Development Committee (WLSDC) called on
the Governor General (Retd) JJ Singh at Raj Bhavan here today.

Appreciating the effort of the committee in bringing out a script for Wancho language,
the Governor said that almost all the tribes of the State do not have written script
and many are working to develop script for their language. “Such endeavour needs
lots of detailed study, research work and funding,” he said and advised the committee
to work together with officials of Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions
Cultures & Heritage (RIWATCH), Roing and the Art and Culture and Research departments.
He also asked them to go for computerization of the script.

The Governor also suggested for a State policy for developing scripts for indigenous
languages.

The Governor, who always has been emphasizing on preserving indigenous culture, faith
and traditions, said that people should always stay rooted to their cultural heritage
and should be encouraged to use their own language.

Ngandam informed that bringing out of the Wancho language script is part of the Wancho
Cultural Society’s endeavour to prevent cultural invasion.

ITANAGAR, Sept 25: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh
Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam
Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s
will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele.
numbers : 09436040006/09856060490.

NEEPCO project site bandh deferred

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Job Contract Employees Union (APTJCEU)
NEEPCO Ltd. has deferred its proposed 72-hr NEEPCO project site Bandh from October
3 till October 31 honoring the parents body and NEEPCO authority’s assurance to “recruit”
within October 31. Failing to fulfill the assurance by the management would compel
the Union to go ahead with its democratic movement in the form of indefinite bandh,
the union threatened.

Road blockade triggers food crisis in Upper Siang

YINGKIONG, Sept 26: Food crisis is looming large in Upper Siang district due to disruption
in road communication for the last 14 days.

According to DIPRO reports, there has been acute shortage of essential commodities,
especially rice and LPG with obstruction to regular transportation due to road blockade
at several points along Pasighat-Yingkiong PWD road via Mariyang, Aalo-Yingkiong
and Aalo-Tuting road.

Upper Siang deputy commissioner Lion Borang has instructed all the outpost administrative
officers to carry out social service with help of public and govt employees within
their jurisdictions to clear up all the block points. Road restoration works are
being carried out by BRTF and it is expected that road connectivity to the district
would restored within 2 -3 days. DIPRO

Ziro needs proper town planning

Ziro, Sept 26: “Ziro is geographically so located that it has got a limited land
resource. Surrounded by ridges all around, it needs proper planning to optimize the
available land usage, said Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner Taru Talo in a meeting
of the Department of Town Planning on “Interim Development Plan of Ziro Township”
for the Local Planning Authority here today.

The deputy commissioner, who also is the Chairman of LPA called upon the stakeholders
to cooperate and coordinate with the department concerned for proper planning of
the township. He asked the Town Planning Department to entrust a town planning authority
to speed up the planning process at the grassroots level.

The formation of a local planning authority helps in decentralization of planning
for development, said A Morang, Director Town Planning.

He urged the public and govt officials to cooperate during the survey so that a panchayat
and a municipal boundary can be established and at earliest. He also clarified that
establishing this boundary does not mean that the department acquired the land rather
developmental activities under the purview of the departments will be extended to
the areas under the municipality.

The meeting was the first of its kind in Ziro after the Arunachal Pradesh Urban and
Country Planning Act, 2007 was constituted and the district headquarters Aalo, Tezu,
Pasighat, Itanagar, Naharlagun, Roing, ZIRO, Daporijo and Seppa (criteria on population
10,000 plus) were included in Urban areas. DIPRO

KVK training on value addition to soyabean

Pasighat, Sept 26: A day-long training for famers on “Value addition to Soybean”
was held at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University,
Pasighat.

In all 15 progressive farm women from Engo Koje Self Help Group of Tekang village
participated in the programme.

Dr. A K Pandey, Dean of College of Horticulture & Forestry, CAU, Pasighat highlighted
the importance of nutritional security for farm women and value addition in soybean.

Dr. Mahesh Pathak, Programme Coordinator, KVK East Siang highlighted on the purpose
and objective of the training programme.

Subject matter specialist (Hort) Dr. R K Singh imparted hands on training to the
participants on preparation of soy milk and soy paneer (Tofu). A farmers-scientist
interaction was also held where SMSs from the KVK interacted with the participants
and addressed their quarries.

GHHS, Mechukha without subject teachers

ITANAGAR, Sep 26: In a letter addressed to the Secretary Education, Govt of Arunachal
Pradesh, the senior students of Govt Higher Secondary School, Mechukha have made
a fervent appeal for immediate posting of adequate subject teachers at the school.

Lamenting that the school was currently running without senior subject teachers (ST),
particularly of English, Economics and History for higher classes, it informed that
though teachers for above mentioned subjects were supposedly posted in respect of
GHSS, Mechukha yet none of them have joined their duties till date due to which the
performance of students in CBSE examination is very poor and deteriorating.

Further, it also informed that shortage of subject teacher issue was not only confined
to the higher classes. Due to absence of English, Mathematics and Social Science
teachers (JT) in secondary level the students were facing hardships in their academic
studies as the course remains incomplete throughout the session, it added while appealing
the education department to post subject teachers of both categories, at GHHS, Mechukha
at the earliest for greater interest of students community of area.

‘Bandh not a solution to any problem’

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Taking strong exception to frequent bandh calls by various organizations,
unions, associations etc, especially in Capital Complex, Rajiv Gandhi University
family has urged all parties to look for alternative means of protests instead of
bandh call.

“Bandh does not help solve any problem rather it affects normal life of all sections
of the society, especially students community,” said Rajiv Gandhi University Students’
Union (RGUSU) president Tassar Anung.

Discouraging the bandh culture, Anung said that the frequent bandh calls given by
various organizations do not auger well for state and its people, he said.

Regarding site selection issue of Greenfield Airport, RGUSU General Secretary Nabam
Tadap strongly advocated for solving the issue through discussion in a peaceful manner.

“Let the location of the airfield be fixed by the authority concerned. He, however,
suggested that the airfield should be constructed at a geographically suitable site
which fulfills the norms and guidelines and away from the main town on safety reason.

The resource persons dwelt at length on scientific cultivation of cole crops, Integrated
Pest Management of vegetables and post-harvest management of vegetables. Twenty-
five farmers participated in the training programme.

Rodent menace in Ziro-II

Ziro, Sept 26: Cardamom growers of Ziro-II area of Lower Subansiri district are facing
heavy losses due to rodent outbreak following bamboo flowering.

According to reports, 75% of the flowering plants in 160 ha of land has been damaged
by rodents. The economic loss to the entire farming community is estimated at 6 crores
(approx). A team led by District Horticulture office visited the affected site following
the Deputy Commissioner’s instruction to make ground level inspection.

Lower Subansiri district is one of the largest producers of cardamom in the state.
Cardamom is cultivated in around 250 ha of land in Ziro with a production of upto
25 tons. DIPRO

Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament

Capital Complex, East Siang earn full points

ITANAGAR, Sept 26: Capital Complex and East Siang won their respective group matches
in the 11th Tadar Tang Memorial State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium,
Naharlagun today.

Upper Subansiri shot into lead 28 minutes into match through goal from Liki Nirin
but conceded two goals in the second half. The equalizer came in 49th minutes through
goal from Taba Mushi. Kukung Rome scored the winner in 61st minute.

Kurung Kumey would play against Upper Siang tomorrow at 1 pm while West Siang would
lock horns with three times champion Lower Subansiri at 3 pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

73 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal
Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.

The ambitious School Health Programme under the aegis of National Rural Health Mission
aims at improving the health of adolescents by converging various strategies related
to health and education programmes.

According to Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad 15 States have
already positioned dedicated teams for School Health Programme implementation in
2012-13. Rest of the States have opted to implement the programme through the existing
public health structures.

The Adolescent health programme and its various components - School Health programme,
Menstrual Hygiene Scheme, Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation and ARHS are
operating in this direction. This inclusive planning for adolescents and convergence
of operational strategies between the Health & Education programmes aimed at promoting
better health-seeking behaviour of adolescents would be a key determinant of improving
India’s overall health scenario including mortality, morbidity and population stabilization.

This programme would benefit approximately 13 crore adolescents - girls and boys
in school and out of school girls. Another important priority area is the Scheme
for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene, which has been introduced for improving menstrual
hygiene among adolescent girls in the age groups of 10-19 years in rural areas. The
pilot scheme is already being implemented in 152 districts across 20 states in the
country.

Education being one of the key determinants of Health, it raises awareness about
environment, health and hygiene issues and encourages children to act in their interest
to become responsible adults of tomorrow.

School sans headmaster

Dear Editor,

Through your esteemed daily, we, on behalf of the school management committee of
the Govt Secondary School, Lumba, students and general public of Lumba village
under Palin circle in Kurung Kumey district, would like to request the education
director for immediate posting of a headmaster in the school at the earliest.

It is worth mentioning here that a teacher, who was posted as headmaster in this
school vide order no SEDN-92/2011, Dt 23rd December, 2011, did not join till
date. Thus the school is running without full-fledged headmaster for last two years
and an AT is running the school as headmaster in-charge. Due to non-posting of
regular headmaster, the students are also facing various problems.

Therefore, we earnestly request the education director for immediate posting of full-fledged
headmaster at the school.

Yours’

Dolang Kor

Vice Chairman (SMC)

B Tamchi Dollee

President, Lumba Youth Welfare Society

Dolang Kishan,

ASM, Lumba,

Dolang Konia, Chairperson, GPM, Lumba

Show the right path

Dear Editor,

While referring to the GoAP, personnel department order Nos PERS-54/2012 Dt. 13/09/2012
and PERS –04/2010, I, as a conscious citizen of the state, would like to draw
the attention of the authorities towards the following observations for necessary
corrective measures.

The Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services (APCS), once considered as the premier and most
coveted service in the state next only to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS),
is losing its credibility and dignity day by day instead of increasing accountability,
responsibility and transparency in the cadres through system of recruitment modified
and brought on the lines of UPSC by the Govt.

Since its inception till late 1980’s, there was limited systematic stratification
of the cadre viz APCS –Jr, APSC-Sr, APSC-SG only when an officer on attaining APCS
(SG) was posted as deputy commissioner by then and the service delivery system
was also quite effective, may be due to absence of I/C regime which means there was
no manifestation of political interference.

Now, with the advent of I/C regime in the placement and posting of APCS officers,
an officer having politically manipulative skill and caliber, rules the administration
by becoming no less than a Barbie doll in the hands of his/her so called god father
political boss, who uses pick and choose method to post a junior grade officer to
a senior grade post in the name of I/C. Such officer is given full powers at par
with regular officer. It’s so grim to see that such junior grade officers, who are
lobbying for his/her selfish interest, have forgotten that time for holding senior
grade posts shall come one day for them.

In this process, what actually happens is that a post of additional deputy commissioner
(ADC) is virtually being held by any APCS cadre officer, excepting APCS (EG), irrespective
of his/her own grade by using politically manipulative skills. In this way the accountability,
credibility and dignity and transparency and judicious delivery mechanism is lost
in the cadre. Such system also responsible for poor quality of the service. It also
demoralizes the honest officers who are lacking politically manipulative skill.

Other reasons responsible for degrading quality service, include non-implementation
of central civil services Rules for promotional purpose, retirement and other service
benefit to APCS officers at par with Central Govt employees and non-implementation
of V K Deb/Koyu/Bagra committee reports.

Therefore, it is an appeal to all APCS officers in particular and GoAP, Dept of Personnel
in general to think twice in above mentioned points so that we could show the right
path for upcoming younger generations.

Yours’

D Lollen

Aalo, West Siang

When people will realise the importance of preserving any endangered species

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to express my concern about the
recent killing of a tigress at Itanagar zoo. We are still struggling to acknowledge
the news regarding the gruesome attacks on various media persons, bandh cultures
and gloomy effects of floods in our state that another such incident had to occur.
One cannot imagine what could be the cause of such an atrocious act and how the poachers
could commit such a felony. People feared the safety of animals in jungles. Arunachal
largely being a forest state (which is also coming to an end due to excessive greed
of people to own lands), it is little tricky to control poachers in the deepest areas.
This is something which can be understood but stringent measures should be implemented
to control them. However, no one would have ever thought that such an act could be
committed within the protected walls of the zoo.

The Royal Bengal tiger is an endangered species and currently its population in India
is less than 2000. The records show that it is decreasing rapidly. Statistics also
show that Arunachal is one of the fastest growing states of the country. But lot
of serious issues are yet to be solved in our state. Numbers do not always display
the correct status of development. Many people in Arunachal have not even heard of
global warming which is the most serious concern all over the world. I can’t imagine
when people will realise the importance of preserving any endangered species. The
way Mithuns (Bos Frontails), an endangered species, are being sacrificed in the
name of religion, culture, marriages, I failed to see the idea ever emerging in minds
of people. The poor Bengal Tiger is way behind in the queue.

As a concern citizen, it deeply saddens me to know that she was killed by two bullets
and no one heard the gunshots? Did all the guards went for dinner at the same time
and no other was at guard? Was this crime committed by a group of lunatics, or few
for the sake of fun, or to simply mock at the current government? Many questions
arise but we have to wait until the investigation is over. Whatever the cause is,
hopefully, the government will able to resolve the case ASAP and pray that no such
inhuman act is reported again. In the meantime, we can only express our sadness for
the loss of the Tigress “Oni” and say R.I.P

Yours’

Jemsi Dodum

Itanagar

Boycott them socially

Dear Editor,

It’s really a matter of grave concern that some people have shown their evil character
by brutally killing the poor “Oni” the tigress. I have visited the state zoo in number
of occasion and perhaps that many times I enjoyed the mesmerizing beauty of Oni.
I was indeed very sad that she was in a cage, just to entertain we the human beings.
But, to shoot her in point blank range, I think we have lowered the dignity of mankind.

When the whole world is busy in "save tiger" campaign, why we always need to show
our uncivilized character. Truly speaking, it’s not a matter of illiteracy or ignorance.
It’s cent per cent a case of mental illness and evilness.

Therefore, I would like to request the concerned range officer, higher zoo authorities
and media to take special interest in this case and bring the culprits in public
so that we may know who are these people without a heart and damaging the state property.
Such people should never be spared and public should boycott them.